𝘊𝘩.4┌𝘏𝘪𝘴 𝘳𝘶𝘥𝘦 𝘢𝘱𝘱𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘦┘

{Beth's POV}

After getting out of the shower, I dressed and left the room to find the kids and the old couple. The night I had wasn't the best since I only slept for four or so hours, but i wanted to see them again.

I reached the kitchen and we all greeted each other, well we were only adults and we we discussing about different things.
I leaned on the counter as we all continued our little chat before everyone went to do their business. Miss maetha went to find the kids and Lao Olya went to make more breakfast.

A while later and I was sipping on my coffee absent-mindedly.

"Pops, all is ready now. I repaired the car."

My eyes looked up from the mug of coffee I was holding when I heard his low and playful tone. He then looked at me but said nothing. His eyes scanned every inch of my body. Like he was assessing me as a thing, not a human; His silence was bothering me, but at the same time, I wished he had never come through that door, or maybe I never came to this place from the beginning. It's times like these when I sense the danger that I would run. I don't know why I didn't this time. He looked in my direction, and my breath hitched before I collected myself, looking anywhere but at him. He seemed tired, probably from what he was doing.

"Where is my breakfast?" He asked playfully. You could see the sweat dripping down his back. My eyes followed that drop of sweat, compelled by the muscles he had; It is not everyday muscles like that. I followed that drop of sweat until the path it took was too much for me, and I immediately woke up from my trance and shot the man an angry look. Couldn't he wear a shirt?! There are kids here!"Well? Where is it? Did you two eat it?" He asked the kids and then picked the little girl up, and she squealed in delight.

"Hey!" She screamed and hugged the man. He seemed very carefree and happy, but if you look at him. No! Nope, not going there; thank you, Beth! You have nothing to do with him, now and forever! I forbid you from even talking to him -"What about you? Did you steal it again?" The tall and arrogant male asked Little Han, and the boy dodged him and ran to hide behind me."Yes, I did!" Little Han answered the man while he hid behind my leg once more. Great, I'll be in trouble now. Thanks, kid. I glanced at the boy and then at the shirtless man, smirking, acting innocent.

"Don't ask me!" I said while sipping my coffee."Hm. You dare do such a thing and also admit it without even blinking.'' The man seemed in deep thought, and the boy hid behind me again. I wanted nothing to do with the man, but Little Han here would blame everything on me."Well, Beth will protect me from you. So I dare say it with no fear!"Wait a minute there, little guy. The boy peeked from behind my leg and looked at me hopefully."Right, Aunty Beth?"

I patted his head and gave him a nod. The man had already sat down next to little Olya and had her in his embrace. Little Han then went to the shirtless man and stuck his tongue out mockingly. You want to die, kid? I thought and shook my head. He then stole another bar of cereal from him. I smirked, raising my eyebrows at the tall man."That's my boy!" I praised the little boy, who now had a victory look plastered on.Guess if we're going down, we're doing it with our heads high- He ran up to me with puppy eyes, and so did the little girl after getting tickled by the annoying man."Aunty Beth! You must protect me!"

"You bet I will. I won't let anyone hurt my little mice." I bent down on his level and pinched his cheeks. He giggled and hugged me. Which took me by surprise, but I tried to hide it. Everyone else in the kitchen also laughed at the situation. They seem like a happy family."I will get back at you, little man. Now, how about my breakfast?"

"Beth, honey, can you help him? I am kinda stuck helping the old man again." Me? Why me? Please, not me! Old Olya said, and I did as she told me, serving breakfast to the tall man."Well, you can sit, and I will bring you your breakfast," I told him and went to the kitchen, bringing back his breakfast. After we returned, he gave me a weird look and finally asked the question that had bothered him all this while. I noticed the look in his eyes as if his walls seemed to go up high in the sky; his mode turned defensive.

"Where did she come from?" He asked, no one in particular.His gaze could burn my insides if I let it. Horny bitch. But I did not. I am used to men like him. He can't get to me at all."Well..." Then the woman explained what had happened yesterday."Also, do not be so rude. You should thank Beth for this lovely breakfast she made for us."

"Well, thank you, Beth." He gave me a look once more, which I shrugged away."No problem. It's not like I was making it for you or anything."

Why do I feel like I'm digging my own grave here? I mumbled on my way to the door, where almost everyone had gone. It seemed that the man had heard me as he suddenly grasped my hand while I was passing through the door."Hmm, easy there, little Beth. You don't want any accidents happening to you, would you?"Huh? Accidents? I could kill you in an instant if I wanted!

Wow, slow down; you're not back there; act like a human, not an animal, I scolded myself. Then I felt him tugging on my hand, and I landed right between his legs. Jesus, I need help. But I didn't falter, I stood there with my chin high, fearing nothing, or that was what I wanted him to think. I could feel his hot breath on my skin as he leaned down and whispered in my ear.

"Your scent is nice. What is it?" I snapped, my eyes now facing his deep emerald ones, which had an alluring tune."Excuse me!?'' I yelped as he stood up abruptly; his tall body, almost two heads taller than me, brushed my arms' side, and I shivered slightly from the contact. He seemed to be around his late twenties. I did not care to learn more about him, so I continued sipping my coffee. He gave me a weird vibe. I admit, I wanted nothing to do with this man. "Keep your hands to yourself, mister," I said coldly.

I wasn't the one for him to play with, and he'd understand that either the easy or hard way. Some time passed, and we were in the living room chatting again. I went to find Miss Martha in the kitchen. "Hello, Mis Maria. I wanted to ask you if the kids can eat ice cream. I want to surprise them."

"Really? That is so sweet of you. Of course, they can!"
"Perfect. Thank you!"
"Oh, no. I thank you, the kids will be delighted."
"Does anyone know where the nearest supermarket is?" I asked as I was passing the living room. Mister Oliver, that man's father, answered me smiling."There is one two blocks from here. Do you want me to take you there?"
"It is okay. Thank you."

"Aunt Beth!" The little boy came to me running, followed by the little girl."Hey. What happened?" I was concerned for a moment."You're not leaving, are you?"
"Aunt Beth! I do not permit you to leave!" The little girl spoke up, determined to make me stay.What just happened? I asked myself. Did they think I was leaving forever or something? These kids are the sweetest thing in the world. They both hugged me, not letting me move at all."I will come back when I get some things. Don't worry; I won't leave you forever."

They looked at each other as if they should or not believe me. In the end, they hugged me and escorted me to the door. I turned to watch them head to the kitchen, and then my gaze found him. His left eye twitched. Maybe he needs to go to a doctor? I could take him there since I was leaving. Not funny, okay, I'll shut up. I knew he was the kind of man that would show no emotion, and I wondered what that twitch meant. Why the hell should I care? I returned him with an arrogant look before spinning on my heels out of the door. I feel like I'm acting as I did back then, like an animal. Why does he have such an effect on me? I don't understand!

•••

When I came back, they all were outside. Sheila was playing with the kids, and the mother watched after them while talking with the other adults. The guy wasn't there; he might have something to do. I'll save some ice cream for him. See how considerate I am. A little while later, the kids found me, and I hugged them, grinning.

"Aunt Beth! She came back!" Little Olya hugged me when I returned. The walk to the supermarket was quiet and uneasy, but I didn't think about it much."Hey, sweet cheeks." I hugged her back."Aunt Beth!" I hugged the boy tightly while kissing and tickling the shy little girl."I have a little surprise to make for you two, and when I finish it, we will play together, okay?"
"Surprise?" Little Olya asked, intrigued. Little Han nudged my leg and asked,"What is it? What is it?"

"You will find out late, now go play with Sheila. I will be back!"Sheila is that man's cousin and those two little kids' cousins, which means the kids are siblings with that tall man. Am I giving him too much attention? No, I'm not. I'm just curious to shush your dirty brain. I didn't ask about his name. I didn't want to seem interested in him because I am not! I walked the stone path towards the front door.

"Thank you for doing this for the kids, Beth. I appreciate it. We all do." The man hugged me, and I did so too."I want to see everyone happy, so it's my pleasure."
"You are such a sweet kid."I was until shit happened, and now the only thing I can do is try and become like that again; His reaction somehow seemed sad."Did something happen? You look sad." I asked concerned."It is that both me and Olya will miss you very much when you leave. I know the kids will do too."
"I will also miss all of you. But I can always come back if you want me to."
"That was what I wanted to hear. I am going to tell Olya she'll be thrilled!" I then followed him inside.

Then I went to the kitchen. I put everything I bought on the counter and made the ice cream. I was sure this wouldn't be so good, but I tried my best, which gave me confidence. The fact that I had my mother's recipe also made things a lot better. When it finished, I brought up what I needed for the decoration and thought about how to do it. I was so concentrated that I didn't realize someone had walked into the kitchen. Well, however hard you search, there's nothing alike between these two. Except maybe the green eyes. Huh? Why are you still thinking about that bastard-

Then, I felt someone behind me. Two hands were on each side now, trapping me in. I was scared, but somehow, I didn't yell or fight back. I turned my head with a curious look to see who it was. My right eye twitched; now you're the one that needs to see a doctor, jokes on you."Brother, what the hell are you doing here?" Brother? Seriously, couldn't I come up with something more I don't know; not dumb? I wanted to yell at his face, but I controlled myself. I guess being dumb is my thing now. He stepped forward, and now, I was pinned between him and the kitchen counter. Great! He pressed his front on my back slightly, and I turned my head to glare at him. He smirked evilly and placed his palms on my hands, tracing shapes and lines."Who are you, and why are you in my house, little witch?" He asked as he looked at me intensely. I narrowed my eyes at him and took my gaze away as he rubbed his nose on my cheek. I tried to push him away, but nothing. He didn't budge; he just raised an eyebrow and waited for me patiently. Now, what he waited for, I have no clue, so I just turned and started decorating the ice cream. Though, I have no idea what to do with these things. He seemed to understand my thoughts and put his hands on mine again, leading them to the decorations he wanted to put on and helping me with them. Why does this man behave like a psycho? Well, you're one yourself, so don't judge.

Moments later, with his help, the ice cream came out beautifully."Well, at least you're useful at something." I blurted out, not sure if he heard it."What did you say?" he asked as he gripped his hold on me. Well, I guess he did hear, well."Nothing." I looked at him as if I was asking what was wrong with him."You looked like you would take an hour if I had let you decide how to decorate it yourself." I didn't think much about it because there wasn't anything to think about anyway.Though he seemed to have some arrogance in him, which I usually despise about people, and myself, that's no news from a man like him. He looked at me as if expecting me to thank him, and I did with a little bit of arrogance in it, too.

"Thank you." Then I washed my hands and looked at him one last time. What a weird man; forget it.Let's put the ice cream in the refrigerator and play with the kids. I thought after some hours had passed. They were waiting for me in the yard.

"The surprise needs some time to get ready. Shall we play then?"Little Han answered immediately."Yes! Imma go get the ball." Little Olya added,"I want to play too!" Sheila added."Of course, we can all play!" I told them.

The young girl, Sheila, introduced herself to me again, telling me she was four years older than me. I stood with her, watching her beautiful blond hair and brown mountain eyes. How beautiful she was. At the same height as me, which for her age is not bad. I was called -short- by my friends for fun, but it never bothered me.

Sheila was talking to me, but I didn't hear her at first. But I was enchanted by her beauty.

"Beth?!" She laughed at me sweetly."Well, no one has ever looked at me with such respect. I think I kinda like it." She giggled."That's impossible. You are so beautiful."
"You are beautiful too. You need to know that."
"Thank you!"
"The difference is that I used to show it too much, and now I am a dating machine kind of girl in the eyes of others."
"Well, at least you know who you are. There is no need to care about others." If she knew what I've been through, you wouldn't think I was beautiful, but let's not go there now.I could understand her, but I didn't want to worsen the mood, so I didn't say anything else."I want to be your best friend from now on."
"It will be my honor!" We both laughed like little girls.

"You know, I respect you. The fact that you made breakfast for us and did not sit with us was a delight." Sheila started,"Why is that?"
"I know what you said about not eating breakfast was a fact."
"Yes, that is true," I answered her,"But I also know you did not want us to get too attached to you and you to us. I saw fear in your eyes."
"Yes, I did not sit and just watched you eat," I confirmed."I've never seen such a good person outside my family."
"I am no good. You guys bring it out of me."
"I know the feeling." She grinned."Well, we have a lot in common then!"

We continued talking and waiting for the kids to bring the ball."What took them so long?" I asked out loud, concerned now.They came back, but I didn't see any ball at all. Weird. Where's the ball?I turned to get a better look. Then, all of a sudden, a ball came at me, hitting my face. BITCH NO! This is not happening! I didn't see that one coming.

"Fuck!" That hit hard, ouch. If I find out who did this-I rubbed my head at the spot that was hurting, and then I looked at who threw it at me"You bastard!"It was the shirtless man again, only this time, he had put a shirt on, surprise, looking as smug and arrogant as ever. I glared at him as I hissed in pain, not wanting anyone else to see my frustration. Why did he throw the ball at me? What the hell is wrong with him?

"Are you okay?" He asked, smirking. Is he trying to get on my nerves; is that what he wants? Well, he'll get it!"What the hell is wrong with you, dude? You're what, 25 years old, and you act like a fucking kid!" I spoke up my frustration at his face, and the whole yard froze.His stare was deadly and cold, but I didn't back down."Dude?" He asked as he raised an eyebrow.I took a step into his personal space and whispered to him."Fucking childish!" I spat angrily."Don't you dare talk to me in such a way, little witch." He warned and this was outrageous!
Now he got me all mad! How dare he!"You asked for it!" I glared at him.

He grabbed my wrist, but I stood firm on my ground. He then brought his face threateningly close to mine and growled at me! As if i was the crazy one hwre! That fucking sound had my body reacting to him and I didn't like it. This piece of grinning shit."Hey, sweetheart! Are you okay?" Miss Martha ran up to me with a pack of ice, asking me if I was okay. I was physically fine, but my anger was a real thing."Don't worry. I am okay."

"I am sorry. This son of mine has no manners. I don't understand why he treated you like this. He's usually not interested in anything or anyone." She added."Why are you so rude? Apologize to the girl."
"I won't. And don't call me your son." He replied to his mother coldly. The man came out yelling at the guy.

"How can you treat my guest in such a way, you spoiled brat! Haven't I taught you better than that?"

I was worried that things would go to hell if this continued."It is okay. I am okay. I am not that delicate anyway."
"That's not true; He has no right to treat you that way!"
"It's okay, Lao Han. I'm okay." I smiled at them.Then a sigh of relief in their eyes appeared, and they all laughed, well except for that stupid guy, which made an annoyed sigh and went inside.